FEBRUARY 2015FEBRUARY 2015FEBRUARY 2015FEBRUARY 2015

Executive Committee:

President Ms Lisa Gamon 883-5336VP-Eglin Ms Brianna Hoppel 883-4238VP-Hurlburt MSgt Daniel Doble 884-2152VP-Tenant Ms Connie Clay 883-2890Secretary Ms Sharon Pedersen 883-0695Treasurer Ms Michelle Woolgar 882-6700 x 78002nd Treasurer Ms Mandy Chapman 883-2237Reconciler Ms Angela Gilbert 883-3412Programs Mr Joe Proctor 882-4593

Ms Connie Clay 883-2890Ms Kimberly Sypher 882-7682

Publicity Mr David Herndon 883-5318Mr Max Miller 883-4294

Mini-PDI Ms Michelle Woolgar 882-6700 x 7800Membership Ms Lindsey Stephan 883-4925Education/CDFM Mr Ron Millis 883-0158

Ms Dorothy Goring-Briley 883-8755Enlisted Advisors:

Hurlburt MSgt Arnold Soto 884-1548Eglin TSgt Kimberly Holen 883-4703

Ways & Means Roger Kendall 882-2148Mika Gellinger 882-8650

Community Service Mr Robert Turpin 883-5332Ms Deb Privette 883-5299

Awards Mr George Joseph 883-2123Ms Kaci Harris 883-3961

Webmaster Mr Jason Guzzardo 882-7595Newsletter Ms Brianna Hoppel 883-4238

ASMC, P.O. Box 1756, Eglin AFB FL 32542

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President’s CornerPresident’s CornerPresident’s CornerPresident’s Corner

February already? I really like February, not only is it the shortest month, it is also the month of "love." The commercial world won't let us forget Valentine's Day, which often brings us images of Cupid flying around and shooting his little arrow so that, as legend goes, people fall in love. Well, we all know falling in love is not that simple, but reaching out to help others is a form of love each of us can share. Within ASMC, we offer many interesting opportunities to volunteer with the community, pg. 8. This chapter has already logged 60 service hours and is heading for many more before the books close in April 2015.

Another way to show love is by "random acts of kindness". Do something for your co-workers. Offer a compliment; take out their trash along with yours; buy a cup of coffee; be their "slide flipper" at a meeting. ..something to let them know they are special.

It was great to see so many people at the January luncheon. Remember, these luncheons are for you, so if you have suggestions for improvement, please contact the programs committee, pg. 1 for POCs.

Speaking of fun things, we have a hockey trip scheduled! Not only is it

good clean family fun, it is also a fundraiser for our chapter. Please see pg. 3 for more info.

Until next month.

- Lisa Gamon, ASMC President

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ASMC, P.O. Box 1756, Eglin AFB FL 32542

MINUTES: Executive Council

The ASMC Executive Committee meeting minutes are posted on the Gulf Coast Chapter webpage. To review them, please go to the website: http://www.gulfcoastasmc.org/ and click on the tab marked “Minutes” along the top.

Upcoming EventsUpcoming EventsUpcoming EventsUpcoming Events

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MARCH LUNCHEON

When: 12 Mar at 11:00amWhere: Bayview Club, Eglin AFBWhat: ASMC Annual Awards

**Look for the link by mid-February

ASMC, P.O. Box 1756, Eglin AFB FL 32542

WAYS AND MEANS - FUNDRAISING

What: Ice Flyer vs Ice Gators Hockey GameWhen: 21 March @ 7:05pmWhere: Pensacola Bay Center (formerly Civic Center)

Please contact Mika Gellinger 882-8650, if you would like to purchase or help sell tickets. ASMC will profit $5 per ticket sold! Cost of tickets are discounted at $18 center ice.

FEBRUARY LUNCHEON

When: 18 Feb at 11:00amWhere: Clemenza’s, FWBWhat: CPTS Re-orgWho: Mrs. Christine Wasdin & Mr. Ray Graber

https://cs3.eis.af.mil/sites/OO-ED-AA-A2/AQ/Registration/Registration/Registration.aspx

EducationEducationEducationEducation

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The Education Committee has begun soliciting chapter members, college students and high school seniors for 2014-2015 scholarship awards. Chapter member's scholarships are limited to college students in academic disciplines relating to financial management who are seeking either an undergraduate degree or a postgraduate degree.

An official transcript must be submitted with the application. Non-chapter member scholarships are limited to high school seniors and college students in academic disciplines relating to financial/resource management (such as business administration, economics, public administration, accounting, or finance) who are seeking an undergraduate degree. College students must have at least 2 years (60 semester hours) of college, or will have 60 hours completed by the end of their spring 2015 semester. An official transcript must be submitted (for college students only).

Applicants will be required to submit applications via mail or email NLT May 8, 2015. Visit the chapter Education page at http://www.gulfcoastasmc.org/education.html for more details.

ASMC, P.O. Box 1756, Eglin AFB FL 32542

MEMBERSHIP

Membership is available to individuals who are actively employed in military comptrollership, as active duty or civilian personnel for DoD or USCG.

Associate membership is available for those who don't meet thequalifications but are currently employed in a defense related financialmanagement field.

Employees of private sector companies who are interested in ASMC membership may join under the corporate membership program.New military members E1-E4 and civilian GS1-GS7 can be reimbursed for half of their yearly membership fee. *New members only.* I will be providing information about upcoming membership drives and other activities as they are planned.

To register to become a new member, please visit the ASMC Website (Pg ).

Chair: Lindsey Stephan, 883-4925, lindsey.stephan@us.af.mil

CDFMCDFMCDFMCDFM5

Congratulations to our newest CDFM awardees: Mr. John Johnson and Mr. Jim Peoples

If you haven't had the chance to register for the EDFMT summer class 3-7 Aug 2015 please access ATRRS (https://www.atrrs.army.mil/edfmt/) and register as soon as possible. There are only 15 slots available.

CDFM Testing Sample Questions

The chapter published CDFM Modules 1 & 2 study questions and answers in the Oct 14- Jan 15 newsletter. In the next 2 newsletters we will provide questions and answers to Module 3, Accounting and Finance (1) Accounting (35%), (2) Finance (35%), (3) Auditing (15%), (4) and Fiscal Law (15%) competencies. Take a look at the questions below. You may be surprised by how many you answer correctly based solely upon your day-to-day knowledge working within the DoD and USAF? Answers to these questions will be available in the March 2015 newsletter.

Module 3 Sample Study Questions:

1. What are the 3 topical areas of Federal appropriations law?

2. RDT&E is an example of what type of appropriation?

3. What are the four major functions in DoD Finance?

...continued on next page

ASMC, P.O. Box 1756, Eglin AFB FL 32542

CDFMCDFMCDFMCDFM6

4. Who, besides the disbursing officer, is always accountable for any wrong payment or over obligation?

5. What are the two self-balancing sets of accounts in the U.S. Government Standard General Ledger (USGSGL)?

6. Which financial statement shows the components of the net cost of the reporting entity’s operation for the period?

7. What DoD accounting entity maintains a central general ledger?

8. What does an internal audit organization ensure against?

9. Which audit phase involves gathering evidence and determining materiality and significance of the findings?

10. Article 1, Section 9, of the U.S. Constitution gives the power to appropriate funds for operating the government to which branch of the government?

� To view a list of Gulf Coast Chapter CDFM awarded go to http://www.asmconline.org/certification/cdfm-information/cdfm-awarded/ and search by chapter.

� We currently have Module 4 Acquisition Business Management training guides available.

Education/CDFM POCs: Dorothy Goring-Briley (dorothy.goringbriley.2@us.af.mil) 3-8755 Ron Millis (Ronald.millis@us.af.mil) 3-2150

ASMC, P.O. Box 1756, Eglin AFB FL 32542

Thank YouThank YouThank YouThank You

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Do you remember the huge care package that ASMC pulled together with donated items and money? Laura Gamble shipped the items just before holidays, and this is the second thank you letter from Soldiers’ Angels in Landstuhl:

Dear Laura,

Thanks to you and the other members of the Gulf Coast Chapter, American Society of Military Comptrollers, the patients who came through Landstuhlover the past couple of months were not only more comfortable, but were reminded how much their fellow Americans back home care for them.

Thank you for your very generous donation of clothing and personal care items sent in November! We were just thrilled to see so many of our most-needed items.

One of the patients who saw us stocking the donations shelves in the outpatient barracks later stopped us outside as he was hobbling along on crutches to say thank you "for all you do for us". We replied that "everything comes from people back home who know you're here and want to make sure you know how much your service is appreciated."

We literally could not do this without you. We, and those we serve, deeply appreciate your generosity.

Hugs from Germany,MaryAnn

MaryAnn PhillipsLandstuhl, Germany Service Area ManagerSoldiers' AngelsCMR 402; APO AE 09180mphillips@soldiersangels.orgwww.soldiersangels.orgwww.soldiersangelsgermany.orgMay No Soldier Go Unloved

ASMC, P.O. Box 1756, Eglin AFB FL 32542

Community ServiceCommunity ServiceCommunity ServiceCommunity Service

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RELAY FOR LIFE:

� Theme for this year's Relay for Life event will be BOARD GAMES!

� Now is the time to sign up if you would like to participate with the ASMC Relay for Life team (Comptrollers for a Cause) http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLCY15FL?pg=entry&fr_id=63748

� Save the Dates:

� Feb - Relay meeting will be held on 26 Feb 15 (Bldg 11 Rm 262 @1100). (Coupon books will be distributed.)

� March - Our team will be hosting fundraisers at Joe's Crab Shack in Destin every Thursday in March.

� April - Relay for Life will also hosting a yard sale on 4 April at Niceville Bayou Plaza. If you have items you would like to donate please contact Roger Kendall or Dedra Hickman.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

� Publicity will be emailing out volunteer opportunities

Please make sure to submit any volunteer hours to Rob Turpin or Deb Privette.

Community Service Chairs:

Rob Turpin, Co-chair, robert.turpin.2@us.af.mil, 883-5332

Deb Privette, Co-chair, deborah.privette@us.af.mil, 883-5299

Susan Ashworth, Habitat for Humanity Okaloosa County, susan.ashworth@us.af.mil, 883-0164

Patrick Dewitt, Deployable Care Packages, patrick.dewitt.4@us.af.mil, 883-4874

Sara Bennett, Shelter House, sara.bennett.3@us.af.mil, 883-1980

Gabriella Geier-DuReitz, Fisher House, gabriella.geier-dureitz.2@us.af.mil, 882-5485

Laura Gamble, Soldiers’ Angels, laura.gamble@us.af.mil, 884-6869

ASMC, P.O. Box 1756, Eglin AFB FL 32542

ASMC AnnualASMC AnnualASMC AnnualASMC Annual

AwardsAwardsAwardsAwards9

The Gulf Coast Chapter is set to kick-off its Annual Awards Program. The objective of the program is to recognize individuals for outstanding accomplishments within the chapter in one of the following areas:

� Accounting and Finance

� Auditing

� Budgeting

� Comptroller/Deputy Comptroller

� Intern/Trainee

Contractor Support

Resource Management

Acquisition/Cost Analysis

Financial Systems

Team Achievement

(Small: 2-10, Large: 11-20 members)

The nominations are open to all members of the chapter, with one award winner selected per category.

Anyone may nominate a person who has demonstrated outstanding performance. Each nomination must be prepared using the award form shown on the following pages. The justification must be limited to the space provided, citing specific examples and factual details. Font cannot be smaller than 10pt and must allow for 1/2 inch margins. If an individual is nominated in more than one category, prepare a separate form for each category.

Judging will be based on outstanding performance as evidenced by documentation of the following areas:

Impact: Focuses on the impact of specific accomplishments across the organization and/or functional communities

Complexity and Leadership: Focuses on how difficult it was to develop and implement the efforts and what specific leadership skills were demonstrated

Resource Savings: Focuses on the monetary and/or non-monetary savings; manpower, process improvement, time, year or execution savings, projected savings, etc. during the calendar year.

A selection panel, chaired by the Awards Committee Chairman, will review all nominations received and make final recommendations to the Executive Council, who will approve the final award winners.

Nominations must be sent in by email by 25 Feb 2015 to be considered by the selection panel.

Please send nominations to Kaci.Harris@Us.af.mil and George.Joseph.4@us.af.mil with “Annual Award Nomination” in the subject.

WebsitesWebsitesWebsitesWebsites10

We’re on FACEBOOK!

We are pleased to announce that our Chapter’s Facebook page is up and running! We will utilize this venue to share announcements of events and praises going on throughout our chapter. If you would like to submit a picture to share on the Chapter Facebook page, please email it to, gulfcoast.asmc@gmail.com, and be sure to include a caption. Pictures must be related to Chapter members/events. Be sure to like our page! https://m.facebook.com/gulfcoast.asmc.

ASMC, P.O. Box 1756, Eglin AFB FL 32542

ASMC WEBSITES

ASMC National Headquarters website is: http://www.asmconline.org/Gulf Coast Chapter website is: http://www.gulfcoastasmc.org/

We are looking for new ideas to include on our webpage. Please contact our webmasters Jason Guzzardo (882-7595) or David Locht (882-0057) if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions on chapter website issues.

NATIONAL NEWS

National PDI 2015 will be held in New Orleans, LA.

Please take advantage of other opportunities to fulfill your required CDFM CPEs to include local chapter training events, programs offered through the Online Learning Center, such as the recent Sequestration webinar, PDI 2011-2014 recorded sessions, and Armed Forces Comptroller journal articles.

Use the link found on www.asmconline.org to register and take tests as applicable to get your credit.

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ASMC, P.O. Box 1756, Eglin AFB FL 32542

The Pentagon unveiled its fiscal 2016 budget proposal of $585 billion on Monday, an increase over last year’s budget in recognition of the military’s wide-ranging need to respond to global conflicts in places like Liberia and Eastern Europe, buy new equipment and modernize the force.

The Pentagon’s baseline budget proposal is $534 billion – an increase of about $38 billion over last year. The administration’s request for its war chest, the military’s separate Overseas Contingency Operations account, which pays for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and now the train-and-equip program for Syrian rebels and other operations, is less than it was last year. The $51 billion request for the so-called “OCO” budget is about 21 percent less than the enacted operations budget last year.

Indeed, the Pentagon’s 2016 budget proposal will remain a question mark until new leaders in Congress decide whether to raise defense spending caps. The Obama administration has again sent Congress a defense budget proposal that ignores spending caps as Pentagon officials argue they are too small to carry out the Pacific-focused military strategy known as the Asia Pivot, which Obama put forth in 2012.

The Budget Control Act of 2011 limits 2016 defense spending at $500 billion, meaning the Pentagon would see its budget cut by about $34 billion. The cuts would be equal, across all spending accounts, however it is likely that Obama would exempt soldiers' pay as he did when sequestration began in March 2013.

The budget proposal includes $107.7 billion for new weapons, a significant 15 percent increase over 2015.

The Pentagon’s nose-snubbing to budget caps is a political move aimed to send a message to many members of Congress that defense spending can’t be cut easily, or certainly in the way the Budget Control Act of 2011 mandates. Submitting a budget in compliance with the caps would send a signal that the Pentagon could do just as well with less, and that’s not a message the Pentagon is willing to convey.

“I think the reason they’re submitting a budget request above budget caps is political,” said Todd Harrison, a senior fellow and budget analyst at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, a think tank in Washington. “They really believe we should be spending more on defense, so they don’t want to communicate to Congress or to the public that they would spend less if they submit a budget, a budget cut to that level… They may be afraid that Congress would respond, ‘You know, that’s not so bad.’” ...continued on next page

A Look Inside the Pentagon's $585 Billion Budget Request

by Gordon Lubold and Marcus Weisgerber,Feb 3,2015, govexec.com

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The budget proposes investments in the modernization of “key capability areas” such as nuclear deterrence, space, missile defense, cyber security and “power projection,” according to documents provided by the Pentagon. In addition, the budget proposal amounts to a second (or even third) ask for other budget proposals it has failed to get through Congress in recent years, like changes to the number of troops and structure of the Armed Forces, base closures, sexual assault prevention programs and other programs for troops and their families.

For their part, defense officials sought to portray a dangerous world even as the war in Afghanistan ends. That uncertainty, they argue, underscores the need for budget flexibility – or, more bluntly, more money.

“As the Department rebalances the Joint Force after 13 years of war, it confronts an uncertain fiscal environment in the absence of congressional action to reverse sequestration,” according to Pentagon documents. “The geopolitical events of the past year only reinforce the need to resource DOD at the president’s requested funding level as opposed to current law.”

Ash Carter, nominated to succeed Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, will appear before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Wednesday for what promises to be a contentious confirmation hearing over Obama’s policies. But Carter is expected to ultimately sail to confirmation and could even be sworn into office after full Senate confirmation within a week. Unlike most years, in which the sitting defense secretary would appear before Congress immediately following the budget unveiling, Congress will this year await Carter’s full confirmation before inviting him to Capitol Hill to defend the budget. Those hearings may not occur until next month; in the meantime, Congress will hold budget hearings for the services, combatant commands, and other military commands that will start as early as this week.

Big-ticket items in this year’s budget proposal include $10.6 billion for 57 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters; $3.4 billion for 16 P-8 maritime patrol aircraft; $1.3 billion for five E-2D command-and-control planes; $3 billion for development of the KC-46 tanker; and $1.2 billion for a new Air Force bomber.

The budget proposal also includes $11.6 billion for nine new Navy ships, $1.4 billion for a new nuclear missile submarine and $55 million to upgrade Littoral Combat Ships. The Navy also included $678 million to overhaul the USS George Washington aircraft carrier.

ASMC, P.O. Box 1756, Eglin AFB FL 32542

A Look Inside the Pentagon's $585 Billion Budget Request

by Gordon Lubold and Marcus Weisgerber,Feb 3,2015, govexec.com